More Than 20 States Have Banned Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ Minors

 

More Than 20 States Have Banned Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ Minors

Washington, D.C. — More than 20 U.S. states have now banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors, marking a significant national shift in protecting young people from a practice widely condemned by medical and psychological experts as harmful and ineffective.

Conversion therapy — sometimes called “reparative therapy” — refers to attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The controversial practice, which has been rejected by major health organizations, has been linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among those subjected to it.

 

A Nationwide Movement to Protect LGBTQ Youth

According to policy data from advocacy groups, at least 20 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws or rules preventing licensed mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors.

Some states, such as California, New York, and Illinois, were early adopters of these bans. Others, including Kentucky and Michigan, have more recently joined the movement, with governors signing executive orders or new legislation to close gaps in existing protections.

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear’s executive order not only prohibits conversion therapy for minors by licensed professionals but also bans the use of public funds for such practices. Licensing boards have been given the authority to take disciplinary action against violators.

 

Critics Cite Free Speech Concerns

Despite the growing number of bans, opponents continue to challenge these laws, arguing that they infringe on free speech and religious freedom. A key case now before the U.S. Supreme Court — Chiles v. Salazar — involves Colorado’s 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors.

The lawsuit contends that the law restricts therapists from expressing certain viewpoints, particularly those aligned with religious beliefs. Supporters of the ban, however, argue that it regulates professional conduct to prevent proven psychological harm, not personal belief or speech.

Legal experts say the Court’s ruling could have sweeping implications. If justices find the Colorado law unconstitutional, similar bans in other states could be overturned, potentially unraveling years of legislative progress.

 

Health Experts Call It a Dangerous Practice

Medical and mental health organizations — including the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association — have long condemned conversion therapy as dangerous, unscientific, and unethical.

Studies show that minors who undergo conversion therapy face higher rates of depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Experts emphasize that the practice offers no legitimate therapeutic benefit and instead deepens stigma and shame among LGBTQ youth.

 

Many States Still Have No Ban

While more than 20 states have taken steps to prohibit conversion therapy, most still lack statewide protections. In these regions, minors remain vulnerable to the practice, especially through unlicensed religious or spiritual counselors who are often exempt from regulation.

Human rights advocates say this gap leaves thousands of young people at risk. They continue to call for federal legislation that would create a uniform nationwide ban.

 

What’s Next

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision in Chiles v. Salazar, expected in 2026, will likely determine the future of conversion therapy laws across the country.

If the Court strikes down the bans, state lawmakers may be forced to revise their statutes or pursue new strategies to regulate harmful practices under broader child welfare or consumer protection laws.

In the meantime, LGBTQ advocates, parents, and mental health professionals continue pushing for stronger safeguards — arguing that protecting young people from psychological abuse must remain above politics.

 

A Step Forward, But Battles Remain

The growing wave of bans marks a milestone in the fight for LGBTQ rights and child protection in the United States. Yet, with mounting legal challenges and uneven protections nationwide, the struggle is far from over.

For now, the message from advocates remains clear: conversion therapy is not treatment — it’s trauma.